Scripture Reading: Judges 4:1-24, Judges 5:1-31
When I was in college, my friends and I would close out a late-night study session with a trip to Steak and Shake (which does, objectively, have the best fast-food french fry on the market). The combination of greasy burgers, creamy milkshakes, and scream-singing 2010s pop hits in the car was its own healing balm on our tired, overworked minds.
While Deborah’s post-victory anthem had a lot less to do with parties in the USA or never, ever, ever getting back together, I deeply resonate with this woman who needed to burst into song after an intensely stressful situation. Though there are definitely more profound lessons to be learned from Deborah’s song.
Though the battle was initially given to Barak to lead, Deborah rose to that rallying cry by choosing to march with her friend when he asked. Deborah described what it felt like to be asked to lead by singing, “Awake! Awake, Deborah! Awake! Awake, sing a song!” (Judges 5:12). From what we can read about her life, I find permission to be a bold, unshakeable, nurturing, and (most importantly) willing voice for God. His justice and goodness move through the world through us—we are people who can look around at all that ails our neighbors and who then respond by finding our own proverbial palm tree where we sit and listen and offer what help we can.
And when the time comes, we can unashamedly rouse our hearts and our hands when our neighbors or friends ask us to put on our fighting leathers. I love the wording in verse nine—“My heart is with the leaders of Israel, with the volunteers of the people. Blessed be the LORD!”—because in it I see Deborah’s perspective as one of gratitude at being entrusted with the care and keeping of God’s people. Rather than viewing the battle before her as a burden that’s not hers to deal with, she praised God for being trusted to go into gruesome, messy places with suffering people. Deborah saw the greater honor in the opportunity to work alongside God as He brought justice to His people and glory to His name. And she got to witness God’s power and “tell the righteous acts of the Lord” (v.11).
What in your world makes your heart come alive at the sound of, “Awake! Awake!”? What’s the thing for you that you can’t help but feel an ache over, whether in ancient longing or in righteous passion, when you read those words? As you consider what that could be for you, my prayer is that you might speak over yourself—and be surrounded by others who will say it as well—the encouragement that Deborah sang when the battle was thundering around her.
March on, my soul, in strength!
—Judges 5:21
Written by Kayla De La Torre
Leave a Reply
52 thoughts on "Deborah"
When we learn and read the story of Deborah, it reminds me again of how the Lord can and does use anyone – often very unlikely people. Using a women in such a way was against the acceptable, cultural norm and yet Deborah was set apart, distinguished and sought after for her decisions and input that were clearly directed, lead and guided by the Lord. Deborah’s character is so inspiring; her faith, wisdom and integrity, but also her bold willingness to be obedient to the Lord. How often do we think we are not equipped or ready to serve? How often do we think someone else could do a better job in fulfilling a role?
I need to remind myself of this verse often….
March on, my soul, in strength!
—Judges 5:21
I noticed today for the first time that Jael gave milk to Sisera, and I remembered that milk is often recommended at bedtime for people who have trouble sleeping. IDK if this is true of goat’s milk, which was likely more common in that culture, but he asked for water and got a sleep aid. How funny is that?
Also, I got an unexpected blessing in a Facebook comment yesterday from a young mom who used to help me with my kids when she was a teen. She is in the thick of parenting kids and tweens now, and she says that when she is overwhelmed, she prays, “Lord, give me more of whatever you gave Margaret!” That just totally made my day. I haven’t seen her in years, but I have a mind to pay a visit to her new family business soon because I was so touched to know that she is part of the legacy I am leaving behind, and I never even knew it. ❤️ Sometimes, our Lord is kind enough to show us where we have had an influence. But more often, we will not even know in this life. So take heart, sisters.
What a sweet blessing to recieve those words. A clear reminder that we never know how our lives could impact another :)
❤️And you visiting her will probably make her day!
I love that! ❤️
Barak’s request to Deborah reminds me of Moses’ plea to God in Exodus 33:14.
Barak’s request to Deborah
“If you will go with me, I will go. But if you will not go with me, I will not go.”
Exodus 33:14
“And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” 15 And he said to him, ‘If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here.'”
From NKJV Wiersbe Study Bible
“Deborah’s closing prayer contrasts the enemies of the Lord—who, like Sisera, come to their end in darkness—with the people who love God, who rise like the sun in all its power. The battle at Megiddo was more than just a conflict between opposing armies. It was a conflict between the forces of darkness and the forces of light. We either love Christ and walk in the light, or we are His enemy and perish in the darkness.”
.
The Battle Hymn of the Republic comes to mind today, 3rd stanza especially:
3 He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat;
He is sifting out the hearts of all before His judgment seat;
O be swift, my soul, to answer Him; be jubilant, my feet!
Our God is marching on. [Refrain]
Refrain:
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
His truth is marching on.
.
Love, hugs, and prayers, sweet SHES! ❤
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Let’s rejoice, sisters! ❤️
Hello Shes
Talk about some kick-butt women! Deborah & Jael had more intelligence, insight, ingenuity than a hesitant Barak or cowardly Sisera! Barak was afraid to go into Lord’s battle without Deborah & Sisera fell to Jael because he asked her to lie. I’m not saying it’s a female versus male thing. What I am saying is God was doing the cultural inverse to deliver all the Israelites. It happened that the ones with the “balls”, in modern vernacular, sealed the deal. She-roes! Sanctified! Break out into song, O Israel. For He has done wondrous things on the battlefield, in a tent. Mighty in sword battle. Swift with the tent peg. Melting mountains. Moving women. And all God’s people said Amen!
AMEN! Love this! (heart!)
Praise God for strong, Godly women like Deborah who are not afraid to lead and who willingly give their “all” to serving God – no matter what the call.
—
Happy Friday – be blessed today sisters! ❤️
We haven’t had any song recommendations lately, so as I sit here singing (loudly, and cough, cough-not so good),
“Same God” by Elevation Worship!
He is the Same God yesterday…working through these people in the Old Testiment as He is Today! And will be TOMORROW!!
Hallelujah!! Never changing!! We need him yesterday, today, and tomorrow!
I’ve newly discovered the song, “Flowers” by Samantha Ebert.
.
The song is about finding hope and beauty even in difficult times, comparing the struggles to seeds planted in a valley, which eventually bloom into flowers. The song emphasizes that even during painful seasons, growth and faith can emerge.
Meant also to say – it’s really beautiful. Yesterday I played it on repeat!
Yes, I love the duet! So pretty
I just posted mine before seeing this! I had some interruptions while writing my comment.Lol
The statement “in Christ, there is neither male nor female” is a phrase from Galatians 3:28, which suggests a unity in Christ that transcends earthly distinctions like gender. It implies that all believers, regardless of their physical gender, are equally valued and part of the same spiritual family.
Not my original thought but I copied this and pasted this. It does tie in with today’s reading.
I was also looking at a Life Lessons from Jael’s profile:
“G-d will work out his purposes through whom He chooses.
Every woman can choose to make herself available to Him.” The Study Bible for Women.
Yes, Amen! May I always make myself available to Him!
“Every woman can choose to make herself available to Him.”
Tell the truth, Tanya!
I always forget this story until she invites him in, then I’m like..wait..then she gives him milk and he lays down…and I’m thinking yeah…something’s coming…oh YEAH…ewww..yeah, that. How can you forget that story Rhonda. But the focus is on our good prophetess Deborah! I love that she is a Daughter of God, doing his bidding! And Praising and Singing after she sees his Glory! She doesn’t hesitate, she believes, she knows, and is strong and courageous, right in the action!!
Oh how much rewarding it is to be in the action! To be used by the Lord, by our yes!! He has purpose and gifts for everyone. What a waste to get to the end and say..oh I wish I would have loved the Lord and followed him my whole life, and see what He could have done with me!!
I think the devil has it pretty easy these days with distraction and busyness. It’s not that people don’t love Jesus, they just are juggling so much with work, kids, and home. In a time with So Much More, we have less. We strive so much to have, and we end up tired and empty. (or on constant mold of stress!)
I often say at my Chronic Pain group that if I didn’t have the increased pain that holds me down- I would be out “doing,” being busy, out at the beach and paddleboarding, living the retirement life we came for. But since I can’t do those things anymore…I had to sit(and lay mostly) with God. That led to starting the group…which has been so beautiful! I may not be dancing after group but it leads my heart to praise, because I love what God does in the group for his people!
I get the same feeling after going to jail and bringing his name to the forefront for 2 hours with the ladies in a place where it is hard, long, and dark. It gives them a time to sing and grow, in his strength! It is a time my heart longs for weekly. To really see a move of the Holy Spirit.
May those who love God be like the rising sun in it’s strength!! —-I LOVE this! Conquering enemies! Yes, give us strength Lord to conquer your enemies and ARISE daily for you! In our homes, in our neighborhoods, in our churches, cites and nations! Where ever you shall call us Lord, give us ears to hear and eyes to see! Because it is a joyful life, albeit hard, to live when it is in step with you.
“…give us strength Lord to conquer your enemies and
ARISE daily for you!
In our homes, in our neighborhoods, in our churches, cites and nations! Where ever you shall call us Lord,
give us ears to hear and eyes to see.”
Amen to that battle cry, sister!!!
I am writing that one down! ❤❤❤
March on, my soul, in strength! Judges 5:21. I will march on, head up, with strength and dignity on June 23 when I walk into the courtroom. Praying for a good judge. Happy Friday sweet She’s! Can’t wait to sleep-in a tad longer tomorrow. Need it! Joyful heart this morning as my daughter sits next to me doing her own devotions.
Yes, March on my soldier Mari, in His strength, you are strong, courageous, mighty… a warrior! You will prevail!
Continued prayers for your court date Mari!
Yes,dear Mari, march on KNOWING He goes before you preparing the way and preparing your heart. He already knows who will be sitting in the judge’s seat. I will be praying for him to follow God’s leading with wisdom, recognizing truthful testimony. Hugs, little sister! .❤
Dear Mari V
May you find a judge as wise as Deborah.
Be obedient, be ready, be listening and watching in confidence for God’s direction and path to follow. Deborah was already trusted and in a position of authority as a judge, instructing Barak and handling what she was no doubt led by God to do – the children of Israel were blessed by her obedience with rescue and 40 years of peace … sadly they will again turn their backs on God.
–
MERCY ❤️- so good, be watchful and don’t blur the lines. ‘But lookie here’ … love this phrase :)
GRAMSIESUE- praise for testimony of God working, always working. Thankful for Steve’s health and the financial traction gained
.
B – praying for M&B. The lost, the prodigals and the lukewarm are on my heart and mind.
.
CEE GEE – scarlet thread- thank you ❤️
TERESA DONLEY – praying for Amanda’s healing, for the upcoming surgery, for the Lord’s wisdom for the medical team
TRACI GENDRON – good to see you! I think the Names of God study starts June 23 (SHARON mentioned June 12 which I think is the order date to receive book in time).
WENDY B – joining RHONDA J, CEE GEE and TRICIA in appreciating your good summaries …. what Wendy said ❤️
KELLY (NEO) praying for husband’s job search and for all coworkers too, especially expectant families
❤️
Holy Spirit fill me afresh. Let the fire burn for my Lord and Savior! Awake my soul! In Jesus name, Amen
Amen❤️
I only recalled bits and pieces of this story from Sunday school. I love revisiting these verses as an adult and seeing the deeper meaning behind it all.
Deborah always reminds me that God can use anyone for His ultimate purpose, be it the stay at home mum who is just trying to convince a toddler not to take her potty to school or the lady CEO of a successful business.Deborah was both a mum and a judge but most importantly she was the voice of God to her generation.
May we be the voice of God in our generation . Amen
❤️ Well said!
Amen! ❤️
Dear Adoma
Speak over yourself the encouragement of Deborah, especially in the “messy” places!
“Israel’s leaders took charge,
and the people gladly followed.
Praise the Lord!” (Judges 5:2 NLT).
.
This really jumped out to me today. So thankful for Godly leaders that God’s people can trust and follow as they follow Jesus.
.
B – if no one posts a list of prodigals today, I will tomorrow morning…need more time than I have this morning ❤️
.
ADRIENNE – may God richly bless you on your last day of faithful service to the little ones. Thank you for the imprint you have made on so many lives.
Thank you KELLY NEO ❤️
*
Can I ask you to please add:
DD, WmT, JA, SG to your list of prodigals?!
*
Thank you Sister.
(Pray also for my own often rebellious heart. Oh @ MERCY…such a convicting comment yesterday!)
Please add …Our son and his wife and 3 daughters… (prodigals)
Not so much from our reading today, but in the youversion Bible app this is the verse of the day and I am just so overwhelmed with joy and rejoicing. As soon as I read this first thing this morning, I couldn’t help but praise the Lord, right where I was and thank him for the inheritance that we have that he has planned since creation and before.
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.”
Matthew 25:34
Have a blessed weekend, dear sisters! Rejoice in knowing that we have an awesome inheritance, waiting for us.
In 2007, three years after Julee was called home, and the ache of my heart had become part of my daily being, God called me to the church where I have served for nigh on 18 years..
Every morning as I have been able, I have woken with the cry of “Awake, Awake” in my heart..
.
I have seen in wonder and amazement, on this journey of serving, and following the Lord, that He has equipped me, and has prepared me, in those dark places and times, maybe not with a tent peg, but milk, aplenty! And He has always been close in all situation, whether I have been ready and known it or not..
.
He has used me, in so so many countless ways, I have shared in numerous stories here.
.
The victory ALWAYS HIS..
.
As retirement looms, and the body becomes tired and weaker, the Awake, Awake cry, is not so ‘gung-ho’ but I’ll tell you this, whatever the state of my body, as long as my mind is free, and the Lord allows, I am the Lords servant to do His will, fight whatever battles in His name, because HE is my victory, and I, March on! .
.
March on, my soul, in (His) strength.
March on!
.
BUT GOD..
.
Amen..
.
Thanking God, for this Friday and the rest of a weekend..
Prayerful that your Friday is blessed beyond measure and that life is kind to you..
Continued prayers for all requests and as you come to mind..
.
Much love,
Tina. ❤️
❤️
❤️
❤️❤️❤️
❤️
❤️
Yeah, my “gung-ho” is slow to go these days, most days for a long time now…but to “get” to serve for God, the joy is brings…definitely makes me break out in song in AWE!
Isn’t it ironic that God uses the circumstances in which we feel broken & hopeless for His glory? I lost my Dad at a young age & I remember calling out to God questioning why this had to happen. Fast forward 17 years & I am now being used as a vessel to help support my nanny family through a cancer journey as well. Thankful for you sharing your story! God bless!
Yes, God prepares us for our purposes! Amen!
Amen!❤️
❤ “whatever the state of my body, as long as my mind is free, and the Lord allows, I am the Lords servant to do His will, fight whatever battles in His name, because HE is my victory, and I, March on! .
.
March on, my soul, in (His) strength.
March on!”
Amen, sister!!!
.
These days I fight more battles in my mind than I do in the field! (Shrug)
Amen, Tina!
❤️
♥️♥️♥️